For many students, the University of Tennessee’s 11 Provisions on Demand Markets serve as quick meals or simple snack stops. However, students have reported various concerns about POD Markets, calling into question whether the stores are actually convenient.
POD Markets fill an important gap in convenience and food options for students on campus, carrying a wide variety of products that range from: sodas, energy drinks, snacks, sushi, frozen trays and more.
Most students agree that they are helpful, but share some concerns over prices being too high and locations often running out of more popular products. Mary Patterson, a senior district marketing manager for Aramark, responded to students’ comments about pricing and stock.
“Pricing on items sold in the POD markets is based on suggested retail pricing from our distributors,” Patterson said. “We work diligently to provide consistent prices of same items in all the POD Markets across campus and encourage anyone who sees a discrepancy to contact us so that we may investigate and correct if needed.”
When comparing POD Market prices to nearby grocery stores, it is evident that the POD Market products are more expensive.
A 7 ounce Chobani Greek Yogurt Strawberry Banana drink is $3.99 at the POD Market while it is $2.19 at Kroger and $2.21 at Publix. A 14 ounce Fairlife brand Core Power Vanilla Protein drink is $5.29 at PODs, while it is $4.49 at Kroger.
In terms of food, a 5.3 ounce Chobani Strawberry Greek Yogurt is $2.69 at PODs while just $1.20 at Kroger and $1.39 at Publix. A Hillshire Farms Snacking Small Plate will run you $4.99 at a POD, but just $3.49 at Kroger and $3.69 at Publix.
When visiting different POD Markets, it is noticeable that they range significantly in size and stock. Some, like the Clement Hall location, are smaller and carry a limited selection of goods. The Hodges or Rocky Top locations are much larger and feel more akin to a small grocery store.
“I think POD Markets are typically overpriced, and their stock can be dwindling, especially towards breaks is when it is the worst,” Reagan Murphy, a freshman studying political science, said.
Nathaniel Barnett, a sophomore studying marketing and history, added a different opinion of POD Markets.
“Honestly, it hasn’t been that bad,” Barnett said. “It’s been a nice snack thing, I wouldn’t go there trying to do full-on shopping, but it’s kind of nice if I want some gummies at 11 p.m.”
While Barnett had positive experiences with POD Markets, he also mentioned that he witnessed issues with the market’s steep pricing and low stock.
“I think in terms of prices, they can be a little high,” Barnett said. “But honestly, I think they’re as high as they would be at most other spots, so I’m not that mad about it. But they do run out a lot. … Anything that’s popular, they’re probably not going to have it when I go.”
Naked brand juices were mentioned as products frequently out of stock at POD Market locations. In response, Patterson said Aramark can contact Pepsi to request an increase in the number of juices delivered to campus to prevent stock issues.
POD Markets offer essential convenience for quick meals and snacks. However, student feedback indicates concerns about high prices and frequently low stock of popular items.
